Medford teacher receives national PLTW Engineering Teacher of the Year Award

Tracy Swedlund, a teacher at Medford Area Senior High (MASH), has been honored with the 2023-24 National Project Lead The Way (PLTW) Engineering Teacher of the Year Award. This distinction is presented to educators who have demonstrated excellence in delivering the PLTW program, providing significant student learning experiences, and fostering the expansion of PLTW’s curriculum.

Selected from a nationwide pool of nominees, Swedlund is recognized for his contributions to PLTW Engineering. Swedlund has instructed at MASH for 26 years where he teaches science courses and specialized PLTW subjects including engineering design and development (EDD) and environmental sustainability (ES) to high school students.

Laura Lundy, Medford’s Director of Curriculum and Instruction, notes, “We commend Swedlund for his unwavering commitment to student development at Medford, especially in the PLTW program.”

Swedlund will be formally recognized in a ceremony with his students, peers, and PLTW representatives on January 17, at the Medford Area Senior High School library from 11:45 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

“Celebrating great teaching and learning is one the most important things we do at Project Lead The Way. Our network of educators across the U.S. provides students with the skills and knowledge they need to be successful in today’s STEMdriven world,” said Dr. David Dimmett, PLTW President and CEO. “We recognize and congratulate these educational leaders and are proud of the work they do to ensure all students have learning experiences that excite and prepare them for future careers.”